Recovery Pricing Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Have My Car Recovered?

If you are asking how much it costs to have your car recovered, the honest answer is that it depends on the vehicle, the mileage, and whether extra equipment is needed. At AtWheel, we keep pricing as straightforward as possible.

Published: 30/03/2026 Category: Recovery Pricing By AtWheel Recovery

Quick Answer

Our standard car recovery pricing starts from an £80 call out fee, with £1.50 per mile each way after 5 miles. For vans and larger vehicles, the price starts from a £100 call out fee plus £2 per mile each way. If the vehicle does not roll or needs specialist equipment, extra charges apply.

One of the most common questions drivers ask is: how much does it cost to have my car recovered? It is also one of the most important questions, because when your vehicle breaks down, you want a clear answer rather than vague pricing.

AtWheel provides breakdown recovery across Hampshire and we keep our pricing structure simple. The final price depends on the type of vehicle, the distance involved, and whether the vehicle needs extra handling equipment.

Our Standard Recovery Prices

Car Recovery Pricing

  • £80 call out fee
  • £1.50 per mile each way after 5 miles

Van and Larger Vehicle Pricing

  • £100 call out fee
  • £2 per mile each way

Specialist Equipment Charges

  • £20 per skate used
  • £40 for dollies if the broken-down vehicle requires a total lift on the spec

What Affects the Final Recovery Cost?

Not every breakdown job is the same, which is why recovery prices can vary. The main things that affect price are:

  • The type of vehicle
  • The distance from collection to drop-off
  • Whether the vehicle rolls and steers properly
  • Whether specialist loading equipment is needed
  • Whether the job involves a car, van or larger vehicle

A standard car that rolls normally is always simpler than a damaged or seized vehicle that needs extra loading support.

Why Would a Vehicle Need Skates or Dollies?

If a vehicle does not roll properly, or cannot be moved in the normal way, specialist equipment may be needed to load it safely. That is where skates or dollies can come in.

  • Skates are used when the vehicle needs help moving because one or more wheels will not roll as they should.
  • Dollies may be needed where the broken-down vehicle requires a total lift on the spec.

These are not standard for every recovery job, but when they are required, they are charged separately.

Need an exact recovery quote?

If you want a precise price, the quickest option is to call us with the vehicle type, your location and the destination.

When Recovery Pricing Is Different From Vehicle Transport

Some jobs are true breakdown recoveries, while others are planned transport jobs. If the vehicle is not broken down but just needs moving, that may be better suited to our vehicle transport service instead.

If the issue is a flat battery and the vehicle may not need full recovery, you may also want to look at:

Recovery Across Hampshire

AtWheel supports drivers across Hampshire including Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, Winchester, Eastleigh, Basingstoke and Petersfield.

If you want the main recovery page, use: Breakdown Recovery Hampshire

If you want local pages, you can also view: Portsmouth Recovery or Southampton Recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have my car recovered?

Our standard car recovery price starts from an £80 call out fee, with £1.50 per mile each way after 5 miles.

How much does it cost to recover a van?

For vans and larger vehicles, pricing starts from a £100 call out fee plus £2 per mile each way.

Are there extra charges if the vehicle does not roll?

Yes. If the vehicle needs specialist equipment, skates are charged at £20 per skate used and dollies are £40 if a total lift is required on the spec.

Does the final price depend on distance?

Yes. Mileage is one of the main things that affects the final price, along with vehicle size and whether extra equipment is needed.

How do I get an exact quote?

The easiest way is to call with your location, vehicle type and destination so the job can be priced properly.

Related AtWheel Pages

Need a Recovery Quote?

AtWheel provides clear, practical breakdown recovery pricing across Hampshire. If your vehicle has broken down and you need a quote, call now with the details.

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vinny.chappell